Taking the Step out of step Parent

Category: Feel Good Friday

Oh Friday, I thought you’d never get here. Fridays are for reflecting on my week, remembering the things that I’m grateful for, and the things that made me feel good! I think it’s always a great idea to look back on your week and remember the things that made you feel good. Even if it’s a rough week, and trust me, we’ve all had them, try to find the good that happened during the week.

*ONE* ::: Well, I’ve been bragging all week about my husband and I’m not going to hold back at all today. Yesterday, Matt sent me a picture of him in front of his new tavern. He has been working his butt off every day, going non stop, and not once complaining about his lack of sleep and brain that I’m sure feels like mush. But low and behold, today he got his name above the entrance. I’m one proud wife 🙂

*TWO* ::: I watched Bad Moms last night. LOL Oh my gosh — I haven’t laughed so hard. I really needed a movie that gave me a good laugh. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

*THREE* ::: Matt has been working a lot and pretty much the only time I see him is if I go up to World of Beer or right before we both pass out at night of exhaustion. This week I decided to spend my time up at World of Beer helping them get everything set up for opening day of Monday. I have spray painted, put together menus, took chairs out of boxes, organized all the employee uniforms…the list goes on and on, but I had a fun time working beside my hubby. Plus, I know I will get paid in really good craft beer!

*FOUR* ::: The kids and I had some movie nights this week! We haven’t had movie night in awhile. We watched an old Disney Halloween movie called Halloween Town and they loved it. We cuddled up together on the couch and ate cinnamon sugar popcorn.

*FIVE* ::: Fall is here and the leaves have been falling like crazy in our neighborhood. After driving past the huge piles on leaves I gave in and told the kids we were going to rake up the yard for Dad since has been really busy lately. I gave James the rake and lawn bag then went to change into some yard clothes. When I came back out he had almost everything raked up and he raked and made piles JUST like his Dad does. I was so proud of him — he’s really growing up and it made me realize…he really DOES pay attention to us! 😉

What made you feel good this week!?

Some weeks are rough and it’s hard to find that silver lining at the end of the day. Every week I like to reflect back and think about the things that made me feel good.

*ONE* ::: We are leaving for Disney World in TWO days! I love family vacations and this is just the ultimate one thus far. Experiencing the magic and excitement with kids for the first time is going to a memory that will last forever.

*TWO* ::: Knowing that there is the biggest surprise ever awaiting the kids Sunday morning makes me feel SO good. I’m a horrible secret keeper and I give the kids props for trying to trip me up the last 10 months, but I succeeded!

*THREE* ::: I had a great time at the concert Wednesday night. It was a lot of fun to hang out with some girlfriends and let loose. My legs were killing me the Thursday morning from dancing, but it was worth every ache and pain!

*FOUR* ::: While planning this trip I had some anxiety about how much this was all going to cost us. I mean, a trip for a family of four isn’t cheap. I kept a positive attitude about it and I kept thinking everything will work itself out. Well, it sure did because I found four ROUND TRIP tickets to Florida from Michigan for $342. That’s just unheard of and while getting everything together this week it made me feel good that the positive thinking lead to a positive result!

*FIVE* ::: Matt has been working his ass off at work lately. I mean he has been putting in long hours, sweat, blood, and tears. And I’m so damn proud of him. I’m so proud of how dedicated and hard working he is. I helped out in his new store this week unpacking boxes and watching him work just made me smile and appreciate everything he does. It made me feel good to watch him flourish in something that not just he is great at, but he’s passionate about.

As we go through our week we are filled with highs and lows. At the end of the week I like to reflect back on all the highs and all the things that made me feel good. Positive thoughts bring positive things into your life, right?

*ONE* ::: Clearly, the obvious number one thing will be my husband coming home. You really learn to appreciate someone when they aren’t around. I’m thankful to have him in my life and be able to sleep in his arms every night.

*TWO* ::: It was one of our best friend’s anniversaries this week. My friend’s boyfriend bought her three tickets to go see Switchfoot (an alternative rock band) next week downtown. He bought the tickets for her, our other girl friend, and me! I love girl’s nights, but I love free girl’s nights even better!

*THREE* ::: We bought the kids a trampoline a few weeks ago from our neighbors that were moving. I couldn’t move it by myself so I waited until Matt came home. We carried in three houses down and set it up for the kids. Okay…I might have been the first person jumping on it but that’s besides the point. We are all kids at heart, right?

*FOUR* ::: The weather is changing and getting a little cooler in Michigan. I started trying on my jeans from last year and realized they are HUGE on me. I’m not one to really worry about my weight, but it felt good to know that eating healthier this year has helped. Plus, I get to buy a new pair of jeans!

*FIVE* ::: The first day of Fall was this week! I love Fall. It is tied with summer for my favorite season. Give me an Indian Summer in Michigan and I’m one happy girl! This fall brings Michigan Cider Mills, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, scary movies, my 29th birthday, Disney World with the entire family (kids still don’t know a thing), Annual Wine Weekend in Traverse City with some girl friends, picking out Halloween costumes with the kids, trick-or-treating, college football, fantasy football, I could go on and on…..but you catch my drift.

At the end of every week I like to look back on the things that made me feel good. Sometimes when it’s a really tough week, it helps to remember the things that made it not so bad.

*ONE* ::: I’ve been under the weather this week (going on day eight) and I started watching this show called Shameless. Holy crap is it addicting. It was nice to binge watch a new show to take my mind off of how crappy I was feeling.

*TWO* ::: I had a fellow blogger reach out to me this week and ask for advice. It really means a lot to me when other bloggers, especially step mom bloggers, reach out and ask for my advice on certain situations. I might not know all the answers, but it makes me feel good when I can lend some advice or just a listening ear.

*THREE* ::: I’ve got to video chat a lot with my husband with week. Thank goodness for technology because being able to see his face makes this distance thing not so bad.

*FOUR* ::: It was a rough start to the week with the munchkins but in the end no one died, the house didn’t burn down, and I’m still standing. I would call that success, especially when it felt like those two rascals were out to get me the entire time.

*FIVE* ::: Throughout the past nine days I’ve been really lucky to have some amazing people in my life check up on me and see how I’m doing while Matt’s gone. It makes me feel good to know that there are people in my life I know I can always count on. That could mean a helping hand moving a trampoline from three doors down, playing with the kids while I made dinner, sending me a text message, or bringing me a bottle of wine and watching some reality television. It meant a lot to me and I don’t know what I’d do without those wonderful people.

What made you feel good this week?

It’s Friday! Another week of reflecting and thinking of the five things that made me feel good. I look forward to this post every week — it’s a great way to remind myself that there is always good to find in my life.

*ONE* ::: I reached over 400 followers Monday! I’m not a huge stats person. I like looking at the different countries but as for followers — I just like finding awesome blogs to read and if they think my blog is awesome too, even better! But seeing I hit over 400 WordPress followers in just 8 months, 200 Twitter followers and 33 Facebook followers in like 4 months?! I’m blown away and it just makes me feel good!

*TWO* ::: The kids and I went and visited Matt at work this week. We brought him pancakes and coffee. He gave us a tour around the tavern and it is looking amazing so far. He is the General Manager at a tavern style craft beer bar called World of Beer. They will serve over 550 bottled beers from at least 30 different countries and 50 draft craft beers. Along with some tasty tavern food — this place is going to be awesome! I’m so proud of him, he’s worked his ass off and I’m one proud wife. #proudwifemoment

*THREE* ::: We got to have our family pizza night this week. It was just the kids and I the past two weeks so it was nice having Matt back. The munchkins and I love a good deep dish BLT pizza, it is always a highlight when we get to split one!

*FOUR* ::: Teen Mom OG premiered on Monday night! Make fun of me all you want, but I LOVE Teen Mom and I’m not ashamed to admit it. You bet I was glued to the TV for two hours Wednesday afternoon after the kids left! (Ugh, another season of Farrah)

*FIVE* ::: I got to get back into my normal routine this week. Routine is everything to me. When things go out of whack it throws me off a bit but I’ve got better at adjusting to the change. It doesn’t happen often, which is what I remind myself. I got the house back into order and everything is put away. I don’t want to touch a suitcase for a long time! It makes me feel good that we are all home now and back into our normal routine.

Friday is dedicated to five things that made me feel good this week! I think this is a fabulous way to look back on my week and even on the bad days, try to find the good! What made you feel good this week?

*ONE* ::: Matt is still in Florida and this past Sunday the kids and I went to my Dad and stepmom’s house for dinner. We had Greek food for dinner and the kids ate it all up. I was so surprised that James likes tabouli and tzatziki sauce and he even had seconds. I love watching their taste buds change through out the years. It sure helps with expanding my recipe book!

*TWO* ::: It was Stephanie’s birthday on Wednesday and the kids made her special cards at the house and Wednesday morning they called her and sang Happy Birthday. It was really adorable. It fills my heart with joy being able to do little things like that for her on her birthday or holidays. I appreciate when she does things like that for me and I love being able to return the kindness.

*THREE* ::: Tomorrow my husband comes home. THATis something that has made me feel good all week, knowing that he will be home soon and our lives can go back to being some what normal. I am an independent person and I can survive fine without anyone else, but that doesn’t mean I want to. I miss him so much, I even miss him being a pain in my ass.

*FOUR* ::: Marilyn (my awesome/amazing step mom) took the kids to see Pete’s Dragon this week. The kids were so excited and this was quite the special treat for them. My dad and I went to the restaurant next door and had a couple cocktails as we waited for the movie to get out. I love being able to spend some one on one time with my dad. He’s a pretty awesome guy and I love the conversations we’ve been able to have now that I am a parent too.

*FIVE* ::: I’m back in Indiana helping my Grandma out (she’s doing a lot better than she was last week! Yay, Mamaw!) and I believe that spending time with family is always good for the soul. While I am here I am able to help out with stuff around the house and cook everyone some delicious home cooked meals. I’m thankful I have been able to be here for my family in there time of need. I think it has helped bond all of us.

Today I am going to do something a little different with my Feel Good Friday. I usually list five things that made me feel good this week, but today I am going to write about one thing that made me feel SO good that it took up the other four spots!

This past week the kids and I went to Indiana to help my family out. The kids were everything I needed and more. They were helpful, kind, loving, funny and over all exactly how I knew they would be.

One evening I was talking to my mom about how I wanted to go to my grandpa’s grave. Jordan overheard me and asked if she could go too. (She never met her great grandpa) I hesitated at first and I think she could see it on my face that I was a bit concerned if she should go. “I want to say a prayer while I’m there.” she told me and I immediately said yes.

I did ask James if he wanted to go, but I think he was more interested in playing with his second cousins and I do not fault him for that.

Jordan and I pulled into the cemetery and walked up to my grandpa’s grave. We both knelt down and she folded her little seven year-old hands and began to pray.

“Thank you for all the love and support you gave my mom and thank you for every time she wanted to give up, you wouldn’t let her. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

Google Image

Tears are streaming down my face and she looks up to me with a huge smile on hers. “That was beautiful.” I told her and she just laughed and said, “Alright, it’s hot out here, let’s go home and make dinner!”

I don’t think she understands the deep impact that prayer had on me. I didn’t know that a prayer from my seven year-old (step) daughter would open my eyes to the bigger things going on around me. To her, that prayer was normal. It’s just what she does because it feels like the right thing to do in her heart. Jo is one of the most loving little girls I have ever met in my life. She loves everyone she meets. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard her say, “I just LOVE them so much and I want to tell them!” It’s who she is and I’m lucky to have that kind of love in my life every day.

This week I saw a deeper and more emotional side of Jordan. I watched her put her sassy drama queen pants away and become this tender heart, God loving child. It was a beautiful thing to witness and it is just another instance I get to say, “We must be doing something right.”

Friday is dedicated to five things that made me feel good this week. Doing this each week has helped me reflect and remember that there are always things around me that make me feel good through out the week. What made you feel good this week?

*ONE* ::: Matt, the kids and I went kayaking on Tuesday in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was beautiful weather and an excellent way to get some family time in. I packed us all sandwiches and we headed off down the river for a 2.5 hour ride. This is something we will for sure do again!

Jo in the kayak with Matt. James and I are in front of them in the green kayak.

*TWO* ::: One of my best friends is going through a rough break up right now. I watched her pick herself up, find an apartment, get everything all set up and move in within a week! I am so proud of her for standing up for herself and watching her take control over her own life makes me feel so good!

*THREE* ::: This week James was HILARIOUS! The older he has got the more witty and funny he has become. We were all sitting down watching a movie and a teenage girl kissed a teenage boy. I looked over at Matt and said “Man babe, how are you going to handle that when that day comes?”, as usual when anyone makes comments like that about his baby girl, Matt got a little flustered and without missing a beat James said, “You just have to let it happen, Dad. You want grandchildren don’t you?” — I haven’t laughed that hard in so long. I looked over at Matt and he was just sitting there in complete shock. LOL.

*FOUR* ::: I had a family emergency come up and I have to head down to Indiana as soon as I can. It felt SO good to be able to talk it over with Stephanie and work it out to where the kids can come with me and I can drop them off a day late. It took like two minutes to figure out and I had her full support with anything that I needed. I’m telling y’all, co parenting can work if you work together!

*FIVE* ::: I discovered Rosè wine this past week. Ah-may-zing! It’s the goodness of red wine with the chill of white wine. After the craziness and travel going on, I have appreciated coming home to a glass of that every night. And it may or may not be Bethenny Frankel’s Skinny Girl Rosè (I just couldn’t resist).

Fridays are dedicated to five things that made me feel good this week! I think finding some good in every day helps make the bad days not so bad after all. I challenge all of you to do the same! What made you feel good this week?

*ONE* ::: My husband was suppose to leave for Florida on August 1, we just found out yesterday that he won’t leave until the 8th, which means an extra week with my hubby and the kids get to see him before he goes! Whew, what a relief!

*TWO* ::: Since the kids were gone this week Sunday through Wednesday, Matt and I got to spend some quality time together. He ran some errands with me, we went out to lunch and dinner a couple nights and rented a movie or two to watch.

*THREE* ::: NASHVILLE! I’m in Nashville right now and it is everything I remembered and more. Country music is our thing and being able to go to the heart of country music land is something we’ve always wanted to do together. I honestly can’t wait to try all of the food. It’s a bit different then home, but who doesn’t love southern cooking?!

*FOUR* ::: The kids went to over night church camp this week and they had a BLAST! I went to church camp growing up and it was one of the best times of my life going. It makes my heart happy to hear how much they love going every year and seeing their love for God grow. There is nothing more amazing to see than a child who loves God.

*FIVE* ::: My essential oils saved my life this week. I am thankful for them beyond belief. I have severe acid reflux and I hate nothing more than having to take pills. My oils give me the relief I need without having to down an anti-acid pill every 12 hours. If you haven’t tried essential oils, I highly recommend you look into it. My family swears by them and the kids LOVE them!

Happy Friday! Friday is dedicated to the five things that made me feel good this week!

Let me start off by saying that this week was a really tough week. It felt like every day there was something else to add to my “This Sucks” list, BUT I kept thinking about my Feel Good Friday list and told myself “find some good in every day, even if it’s something small.”

*ONE* ::: My husband got a new job and he is beyond thrilled about it, which in return makes me feel good too. He has worked his butt off for YEARS and I’m so proud of him.

*TWO* ::: Today is the Wild Beasts Wild Wine night at the Detroit Zoo! I’m so excited to get a little dressed up and have a night on the town with Matt and one of our favorite married couples.

*THREE* ::: The kids were extra funny this week. Here is a little snippet of a conversation we had in the car discussing dinner:

Matt– “Do you guys want Five Guys and Fries for dinner?”

Jordan– “I’ve never been there.”

James– “Yes you have, Jordan!”

Jordan– “No I haven’t, JAMES! I’m not a guy and I’ve never been with four other guys so I can’t go in there!”

I almost had to pull the car over I was laughing so hard.

*FOUR* ::: Matt has a surprise in store for him and I next week. I mentioned this before and said he didn’t tell me where we were going, well last night he told me. We are headed to Nashville, Tennessee! Country Music capital of the United States! Honky tonks, line dancing and fried bologna sandwiches! THIS mama is so excited! We haven’t been anywhere just the two of us since we went on our honeymoon to Punta Cana three years ago. This is a much needed getaway!

*FIVE* ::: Two of my cousins, who are sisters, both got pregnant within weeks of each other and one of their baby showers is this weekend. I love getting together with family to celebrate, especially celebrating new little family members!